Knife Pleat

Name: Knife Pleat
Address: 3333 Bristol St South Coast Plaza Ste 3001, Costa Mesa, CA, United States, 92626
Telephone: (714) 266-3388
Price range: $50 and over
Rating: 4.6

4.6

539 Reviews

$50 and over

Contemporary French

Top Tags:

**OPEN FOR LUNCH TUESDAY-SATURDAY 11:30 AM - 2 PM**
**AFTERNOON TEA LAST SATURDAY OF EACH MONTH 11:30 AM - 2 PM (no lunch menu on this day)**
**A LA CARTE DINNER TUESDAY-THURSDAY & SATURDAY 5:30 - 8 PM**
**6-COURSE TASTING MENU EVERY FRIDAY AT 6:30. $245/PERSON WITH OPTIONAL WINE PAIRING**

Knife Pleat is an elegant and approachable French restaurant helmed by Michelin-starred chef Tony Esnault and restaurateur Yassmin Sarmadi, who are well-known in the Los Angeles culinary scene. The couple’s chic new restaurant showcases modern, seasonal interpretations of classic French techniques by Esnault, one of California’s best French chefs.

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Takeout

(714) 266-3388

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Elegant Dining
Cuisines
Contemporary French, Organic, Afternoon Tea
Hours of operation
Lunch Tue–Sat 11:30 am–2:00 pm Dinner Tue–Thu, Sat 5:30 pm–7:45 pm
Phone number
(714) 266-3388
Website
http://www.knifepleat.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Dress code
Smart Casual
Executive chef
Chef Tony Esnault
Catering
Please call us directly at 714-266-3388 to go over catering options.
Private party facilities
Please call us directly at 714-266-3388 to go over Private Dining options. Or email Stephanie@KnifePleat.com

Location
3333 Bristol St, South Coast Plaza Ste 3001, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Neighborhood
Costa Mesa
Cross street
Sunflower Ave
Parking details
Park on 5TH floor of North parking structure (by Nordstrom) for direct access.Look for signs for Knife Pleat.
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, High Tea, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Experiences

FRIDAY NIGHT TASTING MENU
$245.00 per person
Multiple dates available
FRIDAY NIGHTS 6-COURSE TASTING MENU ONLY : $245 per person for the menu, not inclusive of 23% service charge added to all checks. Optional wine pairing and other beverages available for purchase a la carte. Experience Chef Tony Esnault's evolving tasting menu. No substitutions available. Allergies must be presented 48 hours prior. Please allow 2 1/2 hours for this experience. Corkage politely declined for this event. Should your plans change, cancel no later than 48-hours prior to the event. Late cancellations and no-shows will incur $245 per person charge, no exceptions for any reason, including COVID related.
SATURDAY NIGHT TASTING MENU
$245.00 per person
Multiple dates available
SATURDAY NIGHTS 6-COURSE TASTING MENU ONLY : $245 per person for the menu, not inclusive of 23% service charge added to all checks. Optional wine pairing and other beverages available for purchase a la carte. Experience Chef Tony Esnault's evolving tasting menu. No substitutions available. Allergies must be presented 48 hours prior. Please allow 2 1/2 hours for this experience. Corkage politely declined for this event. Should your plans change, cancel no later than 48-hours prior to the event. Late cancellations and no-shows will incur $245 per person charge, no exceptions for any reason, including COVID related.
Afternoon Tea
$95.00 per person
Multiple dates available
ONLY AFTERNOON TEA MENU IS AVAILABLE ON THIS DAY at $95 per guest. Menu may not be shared; one menu per guest. Substitutions to this menu are politely declined. A LA CARTE MENU NOT AVAILABLE ON THIS DAY. Should your plans change, please cancel no later than 48-hours prior to event; late cancelations & no-shows will be charged $95 per person; no exceptions, including COVID related. BY BOOKING THIS RESERVATION YOU ACCEPT & ACKNOWLEDGE THESE TERMS.

Popular dishes

Tsar Nicoulai Golden Osetra$135.00
1 oz golden, buttery, rich, lean, full creamy finish, unique nutty after note
Tsar Nicoulai Golden Reserve$175.00
1 oz unique, creamy perfection, exquisite & rare, medium to large bead, smooth buttery finish
Chef Esnault Crown Jewel$375.00
1 oz magnificent, large & velvety, "jeweled" gold & silver flecks, buttery & creamy with a rich, clean finish, extremely rare seasonal offering

Soup & Salads

Winter Salad$21.00
garden of lettuce, shaved raw vegetables, pomegranate, preserved lemon vinaigrette
Butter Lettuce$17.00
pickled shallot, fine herbs, parmigiana reggiano, watermelon radish, sherry vinaigrette
White & Black Salad$26.00
frisée, castel franco, savoy cabbage, celery, apple, walnut, parmesan, truffle
Lobster Caesar$36.00
baby romaine, boiled egg, tomato, avocado, lobster-caesar dressing
Sunchoke$17.00
jerusalem artichoke soup, cardamom infused milk froth, almond

Main

Champignons$28.00
hen of the woods & king trumpet mushrooms, spinach, "creamy" barley, mushroom consommé
Pasta$28.00
strozzapreti, braised boar, bitter green pesto, winter vegetables parmesan, parsley
Seabream$36.00
saffron braised fennel, valencia orange, niçoise and castelvetrano olive, fennel jus
Duck Leg Confit$36.00
leg confit, polenta, red cabbage, apple, duck jus
Steak Frittes$39.00
santa carota beef, "pomme pont neuf" fries, red gem, black garlic vinaigrette, beurre maître d'hôtel

Dessert

Lemon Tart$15.00
pâte sucrée, almond cream, lemon creméux, meringue
Chef's Selection$13.00
seasonal, light & delicious
Louis XV$15.00
hazelnut crunch, chocolate crémeux, gianduja glaze
Knife Pleat Macarons$20.00
box of 6 assorted flavors to take home

What 539 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

4.6

4.6 based on all time ratings

4.6Food
4.7Service
4.6Ambience
4.2Value

Noise • Moderate

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Filters

LB
LindaB
Los Angeles
38 reviews
vip
5.0
38 reviews
Dined on April 7, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
I have been to KP four times and it never disappoints. The food is excellent, staff is well trained and friendly. It’s just a pleasure eating at KP.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Orange County
20 reviews
vip
3.0
20 reviews
Dined on April 6, 2022
overall3food4service1ambience3
Very disappointing service. Server was out of his depth. Missed details, poor descriptions, lack of follow through. Food was very good as usual. Very bad night here.
KK
KuisineKueen
Orange County
50 reviews
vip
5.0
50 reviews
Dined on March 26, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We attended the Nowruz tasting menu dinner. Had read about it years back in the LA Times when it was held at the owners' restaurant in LA to celebrate the Persian New Year. One word: spectacular! From the dramatic opening course of caviar and accoutrements (served with champagne) to the finale of mignardise (saffron mini-macaron among them) it was an amazing culinary experience. OC is fortunate to have this caliber of cuisine and expertise, but it is worth the drive from anywhere...
K
Karin
Los Angeles
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on March 16, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always a treat to say hello to Chef Tony and experience the food at Knife Pleat. Amazing as usual.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Orange County
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 11, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Everything was perfect!
HB
HarrietB
Los Angeles
5 reviews
vip
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on March 11, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great dining experience. Food was delicious and service was superlative!
G
Gilbert
Los Angeles
66 reviews
vip
3.0
66 reviews
Dined on March 10, 2022
overall3food3service3ambience4
Second time at Knife Pleat for lunch, a bit disappointed, lobster salad @$36 had little lobster only lettuce in a lot of dressing, bread ordered arrived after 15-20 minutes my guest where not thrilled by the experience.
RD
RayD
Las Vegas
84 reviews
vip
4.0
84 reviews
Dined on March 10, 2022
overall4food4service5ambience4
March 2022 review - the Place is very nice, this was only lunch - i have to say for a michelin 1 star - i felt rushed ... food was coming way too fast, escargot was a little cold but maybe that was what they wanted , steak frites was excellent and their bread and butter superb - desert nice but nothing i could not have gotten at the bakery downstairs - the app for their menu was wonky (no prices ) so we had to get a paper menu - overall this is a solid place - Michelin ?? not so much - based on lunch i am hard pressed to pay the prices they want for dinner on a weekend but maybe will try again for a dinner during the week
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
2 reviews
vip
1.0
2 reviews
Dined on March 5, 2022
overall1food3service2ambience2
The most overpriced and underwhelming meal I’ve ever had. This was not Michelin star service. The food was OK, but the prix fix price of $245 was absurd. This was not fine dining. It’s about 3x overpriced.
T
nickThefoodcritic
Los Angeles
2 reviews
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on March 4, 2022
overall3food2service5ambience4
We had the tasting menu on 3/4/22. We had the caviar and then 6 courses. The caviar was good. The first three courses of the tasting menu was good. Then came the fish fillet, Dover Sole, rolled and steamed; it was not good; the rolling and streaming process somehow gave it a fish cake taste. There was no delicacy at all, the fish taste and aroma were completely lost. This dish was very poorly executed. Then came Wagyu from New Zealand. The meat had no marble at all, thus there was leathery chewy consistency to the meat. It was worse than the Ribeye from Costco I cooked at home. The food was not worthy of a one star Michelin restaurant. This was the third time we dined here, probably the last. Considering the price tag of $900 for two people, drinking just two glasses of wine, the value was definitely not there.
R
Robert
Orange County
1 review
vip
4.0
1 review
Dined on March 4, 2022
overall4food4service5ambience4
Tasting Dinner with wine pairings Most of the dining experience was excellent and exciting. Especially memorable were the chef's small bites at the start. We only give 4 out of 5 stars because of a great miss on one of the menu items. Before we went to dine at Knife Pleat, we had learned that grass fed Wagyu beef is the Rolls Royce of beef, sweet, juicy, tender and delicious. We were disappointed when the Wagyu we were served was hard to cut and very difficult to chew (with excellent teeth!). Two different managers' explanations was not satifactory. We left most of it uneaten. The problem with the beef magnified other small issues: the menu from the website included caviar in the first course and Margaux was included on the wine pairing menu. Neither of these was served (caviar was available for an additional fee on a separate menu).
CS
ClaudiaS
Orange County
43 reviews
vip
5.0
43 reviews
Dined on March 4, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
I don’t remember having a meal more delicious or more beautifully presented, or a service more friendly or more perfect than my lunch with my son at Knife Pleat to celebrate his 16th birthday. I highly highly highly recommend this wonderful restaurant, recently awarded -with plenty of merit- a 1 Michelin Star. Our experience at Knife Pleat surpassed our highest expectations! Thank you, chef Tony Enault, Stephanie (restaurant manager), Horacio (our awesome server), the super nice hostess (who greeted my son with a warm smile and a heart-felt “Happy Birthday!”),and the entire super-friendly team at Knife Pleat. Thank you very much for the most unforgettable meal experience!
B
Bonnie
Los Angeles
65 reviews
vip
5.0
65 reviews
Dined on March 3, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Fabulous the food is outstanding the service is fabulous and the restaurant is truly beautiful it’s like going to Paris for dinner
B
Bonnie
Los Angeles
65 reviews
vip
5.0
65 reviews
Dined on March 3, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Outstanding as always
JR
JaniceR
Chicago
3 reviews
vip
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on March 2, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wonderful elegant environment, excellent food and attentive service. Love coming here for a relaxing lunch with friends, family or business. One of my favorite places!
RM
RvdM
Chicago
14 reviews
vip
5.0
14 reviews
Dined on February 27, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great tasting menu, service and wine pairing. This is a great foodie restaurant.
J
Jami
Exclusive
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on February 26, 2022
overall3food5service2ambience5
I went for afternoon tea. The price was reasonable considering that tea can range pretty high. The service was a rollercoaster. We were ignored for a good chunk of time at the beginning of service that it did sour the experience.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Las Vegas
4 reviews
3.0
4 reviews
Dined on February 26, 2022
overall3food3service3ambience3
Too many things were not up to par…
RH
RayH
Seattle
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on February 26, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Rotating tasting menu highlighting seasonal ingredients with complex techniques makes the restaurant a worthwhile repeat visit destination
OT
OpenTable Diner
London
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 25, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Had a nice lunch for a friend’s birthday! Great ambiance and food. Had the specials of the day, truffle Brie and lemon tart.
M
Mandy
Orange County
10 reviews
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on February 25, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wonderful experience. Food was perfectly and thoughtfully prepared. Wine was outstanding ( we picked 2 off the menu, didn’t do the wine pairing) will most definitely return!
AS
AndyS
Los Angeles
520 reviews
vip
5.0
520 reviews
Dined on February 25, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
The 3 course midweek tasting menu was outstanding in every way! The attention to detail in preparation and plating is always impressive and each course was delicious. I can't say enough about the exceptional cuisine, service and hospitality at Knife Pleat. I highly recommend this culinary destination and look forward to returning as soon as possible.
MS
MelisaS
Orange County
18 reviews
vip
5.0
18 reviews
Dined on February 24, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Exquisite dining in a wonderfully comfortable atmosphere. Each item ordered was delectable and expertly prepared and presented. Such a treat❤️
A
Aggie57
New York Area
21 reviews
vip
4.0
21 reviews
Dined on February 23, 2022
overall4food5service4ambience4
Food was excellent, wonderful flavours and beautifully presented. Of course it's not cheap but you know that going in and frankly it's worth the cost for special occassions.
MG
MariaG
St. Louis
6 reviews
4.0
6 reviews
Dined on February 23, 2022
overall4food5service5ambience4
This is a great place to experience a fine meal. Especially if you are celebrating a special occasion.
n
newby
Orange County
182 reviews
vip
5.0
182 reviews
Dined on February 18, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
My wife and I enjoyed the food immensely. This is an exquisite restaurant which explains why it has a Michelin star which is well deserved. The 3 course pre fixe was great. The dessert was fabulous. This is a great place for those who appreciate great food at a reasonable price.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Los Angeles
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on February 15, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
Great food. Yes the two of us ordered four desserts (one to go) :)
OT
OpenTable Diner
Orange County
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 12, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always fantastic
KK
KuisineKueen
Orange County
50 reviews
vip
5.0
50 reviews
Dined on February 11, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Took a friend for a late Friday lunch and belated birthday and to try the Lunar New Year specials. Place was buzzing--one of the best spots in OC for elevated dining and people watching. Everything was truly perfection. The soft tofu LNY appetizer was a work of art and delicious with the delicate broth poured over. Same with the fish stew entree. The menu du jour entree was amazing--chicken was perfectly cooked, flavorful and beautifully plated. Generous portions--something you don't always see in French restaurants. The Lunar New Year dessert was beautiful and light--looked like a red gift box! Talented pastry chef. Superb service. Great to see the owners--Yassmin and chef Tony--on the floor checking with guests. All the management team is personable. Knife Pleat is an experience; if you want to impress someone, this is the place!
LA
LindaA
Orange County
47 reviews
vip
5.0
47 reviews
Dined on February 11, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had an early Valentine’s and it was superb!
B
Beme
New York Area
3 reviews
vip
3.0
3 reviews
Dined on February 11, 2022
overall3food3service4ambience5
Nice restaurant. Food was just okay- nothing eye opening.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Orange County
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 10, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing to say the least!!!!
CH
ChristyH
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 10, 2022
overall5food5service4ambience3
The food was impeccable but the open kitchen and floor plan was unexpected loud and busy for such a nice restaurant.
s
sarahyeeha
Orange County
54 reviews
vip
4.0
54 reviews
Dined on February 10, 2022
overall4food4service5ambience5
Caviar was delicious. Weekday pre-frixe was a good price $135 and portions were generous. With all of the extra dishes from chef, we were stuffed. Service was excellent. Overall, a fine dining experience with lovely staff. Would definitely return to try their Saturday afternoon tea service!
c
cindyk
Los Angeles
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on February 5, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
The service and food were excellent . I would go back again
LD
LuvDebe
Los Angeles
24 reviews
vip
5.0
24 reviews
Dined on February 5, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We went for afternoon tea and the experience was beyond our expectations. The food was delicious and there were plenty of good tea selections. Service was impeccable.
L
Laveevee4u
Orange County
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on February 5, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Went here for a birthday celebration and it did not disappoint! All servers were attentive and knew the menu and drinks very well. I loved the ambience and how cozy and romantic everything was. At the end of the meal, the chefs walked around and asked how everything was so I thought that was really personable. Would definitely recommend for any special occasion.
E
Eats
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 4, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Fantastic! Wonderful, friendly service with simply beautiful food.
AS
AndyS
Los Angeles
520 reviews
vip
5.0
520 reviews
Dined on February 3, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Knife Pleat continues to reach for new heights with every meal. The new weeknight tasting menu is a wonderful experience with several choices within each of the three courses. A new surprise this visit was the addition of an amuse bouche - a smoked beet tartare served under glass on a bed of colorful beet dust. It was an impressive start to the meal and really set the tone for things to come. Chef Tony Esnault is a master of bringing out the best flavors in vegetables. A black and white salad with perfectly squared lettuce greens and black truffles was presented with apple, walnut and Parmesan dressed with a light and flavorful vinaigrette. The broccolini soup was prepared tableside over a garnish of beautifully cut baby turnip, broccoli flower and lemon curry. The wine list is carefully curated to offer a variety of compelling pairings with the cuisine, and the list of craft cocktails is equally impressive. Service, as always, is friendly and professional. Although Knife Pleat recently received the coveted Michelin Star, it is obvious they are not resting on their laurels, but continuing to evolve and push themselves to the next level. I look forward to returning as soon as possible.
HR
HappytoReview
Orange County
10 reviews
vip
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on February 3, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had a wonderful first experience at Knife Pleat

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing
- Surfaces sanitized between seatings
- Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
Physical distancing
- Limited number of seated diners
- Distancing maintained in common areas
- Extra space between tables

Protective equipment
- Waitstaff wear masks
Screening
- Sick staff prohibited in the workplace
- Staff temperature check required

FAQs

Knife Pleat offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (714) 266-3388.

Knife Pleat is rated 4.6 stars by 539 OpenTable diners.

Not available on OpenTable

Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable reservation network.

If you like, we'll notify you by email if this restaurant joins.

Is this your restaurant?

Claim this listing

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(714) 266-3388

Dining areas

Additional information

Cross street
Sunflower Ave
Neighborhood
Costa Mesa
Hours of operation
Lunch Tue–Sat 11:30 am–2:00 pm Dinner Tue–Thu, Sat 5:30 pm–7:45 pm
Cuisines
Contemporary French, Organic, Afternoon Tea
Dining style
Elegant Dining
Dress code
Smart Casual
Parking details
Park on 5TH floor of North parking structure (by Nordstrom) for direct access.Look for signs for Knife Pleat.
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Executive chef
Chef Tony Esnault
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, High Tea, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.knifepleat.com/
Phone number
(714) 266-3388
Catering
Please call us directly at 714-266-3388 to go over catering options.
Private party facilities
Please call us directly at 714-266-3388 to go over Private Dining options. Or email Stephanie@KnifePleat.com

Knife Pleat

Not available on OpenTable

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

FRIDAY NIGHT TASTING MENU

SATURDAY NIGHT TASTING MENU

Afternoon Tea

Black Truffle Brie

Lobster Caesar

Steak Frittes

To Start

Bread

Olives$9.00

Black Truffle Brie$30.00

Caviar

Tsar Nicoulai Golden Osetra$135.00

Tsar Nicoulai Golden Reserve$175.00

Chef Esnault Crown Jewel$375.00

Soup & Salads

Winter Salad$21.00

Butter Lettuce$17.00

White & Black Salad$26.00

Lobster Caesar$36.00

Sunchoke$17.00

Main

Champignons$28.00

Pasta$28.00

Seabream$36.00

Duck Leg Confit$36.00

Steak Frittes$39.00

Dessert

Lemon Tart$15.00

Chef's Selection$13.00

Louis XV$15.00

Knife Pleat Macarons$20.00

Overall ratings and reviews

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Filters

Cleaning & sanitizing

Physical distancing

Protective equipment

Screening

FAQs

Does Knife Pleat offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Knife Pleat restaurant rated?

Not available on OpenTable

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

Dining areas

Additional information